Exeter v Argyle: Devon Derby set to have huge impact at both ends of table

Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City are set to lock horns once more tomorrow in what some are describing as “the most important Devon Derby ever”, with both sides firmly embroiled at either end of the League One table.

The Devon Derby arrives with huge significance; it looked early in the season like this fixture could be a critical one, and it may well prove to be.

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Argyle sit seventh with 62 points from 41 games and know a win could take them into sixth and the League One play-off places, at least temporarily, with the game the early kick-off. 

Stevenage sit just above them with a game in hand, while several teams remain close behind the Pilgrims.

Exeter occupy 21st place with 46 points from 42 matches, just below the relegation line and two points shy of safety. 

Like Argyle, three points could prove crucial, lifting them out of the bottom four depending on results elsewhere.

The sides meet at Home Park at 12.30pm in the 95th Devon Derby, the first at the ground since Argyle’s 4-2 win in October 2022.

History favours the Greens, with 38 wins compared to Exeter’s 30, while 26 matches have ended in draws. 

However, the Grecians claimed the reverse fixture in October, winning 2-0 at St James Park with a goal in each half.

There have been plenty of changes since then. Form, for one. Personnel, for another. 

Exeter City now have a new (old) head coach, with ex-gaffer Matt Taylor now back in charge.

The fortunes of the two sides have contrasted sharply since the start of 2026.

Argyle have won 11, drawn four and lost just three matches, climbing from 21st place on January 1 to seventh, sitting just two points off the play-offs heading into the weekend.

Exeter, meanwhile, have won three, drawn eight and lost eight, slipping into the relegation zone, although Monday’s 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers brought an end to a 15-game winless run.

ABOVE: Ilmari Niskanen of Exeter City celebrates after winning the derby in October (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

For Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley, the defeat earlier in the season still lingers.

“It didn’t taste good, to be honest,” he said. “It’s not sat right in our stomach since October.

“We have to be intense, we have to be energetic, we have to be aggressive. We have to do the basics really well. From there, I feel like there’s a lot of quality that we can showcase.”

He added: “We all know that on derby days, form goes out the window. I don’t think either team will be in a mentality of a draw on Saturday.”

Cleverley also confirmed Argyle are in a strong position squad-wise.

“Matty Sorinola, Tegan Finn and Brendan Wiredu are available for selection, in some capacity. Bradley Ibrahim rejoins training tomorrow. We’re in a good place.”

A late decision will be made on Bim Pepple, while all three Argyle strikers have reached double figures this season.

Taylor said his side are ready for the challenge ahead.

“It’s a massive game of football and we are preparing as best as we possibly can,” he said.

“We are under no illusions what the game stands for, not only in terms of league standing but also the south west. The Devon Derby is a special fixture.”

He added: “It’s the game you want to be involved in… our away support will go with such excitement and we have to repay them with a performance.”

Taylor must decide whether to recall Josh Magennis after his goal off the bench against Doncaster, while Jack Aitchison is another option in attack. 

Carlos Mendes Gomes is a doubt after picking up a knock, and Luca Woodhouse could return in defence.

With the match sold out and just four games remaining, the stakes could hardly be higher.

For Argyle, it is a chance to break into the play-off places, and, for Exeter, it could be a vital step towards League One survival.

Anything less than three points may not be enough for either side.